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S&P Class Presents Henry IV, Part One

April 2, 2014

The Mary Baldwin College 2015 Shakespeare and Performance Master of Letters class is pleased to present their production of Henry IV, Part One at 7:30 p.m. on April 14 at the Blackfriars Playhouse, Staunton.

One of William Shakespeare’s most popular and endearing works, Henry IV, Part One is a boisterous adventure with the sublimely debauched Sir John Falstaff, Shakespeare’s greatest comic invention, at the helm. Repositioning the story of fathers and sons in a modern American setting while shaping it for the Blackfriars stage, this production posits that growing up in a changing world is still as difficult, and inevitable, as ever.

Prince Hal, much to his father’s chagrin, would rather pursue wine, women, and song than his princely duties. Hal enjoys the high jinx and wit of his merry mentor, Falstaff, until the threat of war looms. Personal and political concerns collide when Harry “Hotspur” Percy mounts a rebellion and Prince Hal finds that the wild days of his youth must come to an end. Shakespeare’s story of loyalty and betrayal, of rivers of ale and blood, is timeless.

This production, directed by Mary Baldwin faculty members Doreen Bechtol and Matt Davies, features current Mary Baldwin students enrolled in REN 531 Performance of Language, a course integral to the Shakespeare and Performance MLitt/MFA Program, which regularly culminates in a full-scale production.

This performance is presented in proud partnership with the American Shakespeare Center. Admission is free; donations accepted.